Just Plain Neighbors: Conway neighbors show off, and share their wares

[ Originally published on: Tuesday, April 28, 2009 ]

At first, it was just a discussion among friends in Conway, ''marveling about the great things going on in town that many townspeople don't know about.'' Then the women called themselves Conway Contexts and invited all Conway residents to participate in a townwide picnic-fair-market on this coming Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will be in the yard at Conway Grammar School.

''It will give the Conway folks a chance to show off for each other,'' said Phyllis Jeswald, a member of the ad hoc committee. ''The May Fair will bring together a wide range of what goes on in Conway.''

All current town organizations, groups, clubs, committees, nonprofits, businesses, farmers, crafters, musicians, buskers, etc., are encouraged to come and share, say the women. A busker is an itinerant entertainer.

''Everyone is invited to take a picnic brunch and something to share,'' said Jeswald. ''All should take their own tables. Actually, this isn't much work, with all doing their own thing.''

Diane Poland, owner of Pumpkin Hollow Bed and Breakfast, said she realized she knows about some organizations, businesses and artists in town.

''But there are many I don't. I'd love to learn what my neighbors do,'' she said.

Kate Clayton-Jones is hoping to visit with friends and some ''folks I've yet to meet. May Fair will be what we make it.'' As the three said, ''It's still an unknown.'' But, I imagine that if it's a success, it will be scheduled next May.

If there is rain, they will go into the school, which Jeswald says is the ''nice thing'' about scheduling the fair in the school's yard.''

I WANT to thank all who called me with the Florida address of Clif Symonds, former music Greenfield High School teacher.

PAUL VOILAND of Montague earned $1,300 for the Perkins Institute for the Blind in Boston when he ran in The Boston Marathon last Monday. He ran and collected pledges to honor his daughter, Kara.

''I did pretty well ... I finished,'' he said, when I asked him how he did in the famed marathon.

His daughter, Kara, who has been at the institute since she was 9, has completed her studies there. She is moving on to Riverside program in Easthampton.

WALKING THREE MILES for Meals on Wheels, which is an important component of elderly care in Franklin County, will take place on Saturday from 8 until noon, rain or shine, at the Franklin County Technical School in Turners Falls. Since it takes at least an hour for most people, no new walkers will be scheduled after 11. The walk is 12 times around the track.

People in wheelchairs, young children, even friendly dogs on leashes will be welcome to walk. There will be snacks and juices. School restrooms will be open.

Those people who have pledges are asked to bring in their pledge sheets and money.

For further information or to make a donation, call Franklin County Home Care Corp. at 773-5555.

THE MAHICAN-MOHAWK Trail needs help with its seasonal cleanup and spring projects. It is scheduled for May 9. Volunteers are needed to clear the trail, through Shelburne, Conway and Deerfield. Focus will be on the trees that were blown down this past winter.

It is suggested that those who volunteer should take bow saws, chain saws and safety gear.

For directions and answers to questions, contact Gabe Roxby, the Mahican-Mohawk Trail maintainer, at 339-4261 or groxby@gmail.com The trail is sponsored by the Deerfield River Watershed Association as an outreach project to help citizens ''better know and appreciate their surroundings.''

ARTWORK OF HELEN HODGES of Ashfield and Mary Field of Northfield is on display in the cafeteria of Baystate Franklin Medical Center for April and May.

Jean Kowalski has an opening for October-November and is seeking two artists for November-December. Her number is (413) 498-5344.

THE HOME OF Michael Collins and Pacifico ''Tony'' Palumbo in Colrain is featured in an article in the spring issue of Living Spaces, a magazine of western Massachusetts and northern Connecticut.

The story recounts the purchase of the former cooperage in 1969 for $4,200 by the two New Yorkers. A cooperage is a place where apple barrels were formerly manufactured.

After coming on weekends to their retreat, Collins and Palumbo decided in the early 1990s to make it a full-time permanent residence.

The gorgeous pictures in the magazine show the outside of the now four-story house, plus impressive inside areas.

''It's one of those houses that feels so welcoming; it's just happy to have someone living in it,'' writes the story's author, Sara Heim.

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY Relay for Life team, Jillian's Angels, will have a bowling fund raiser on Sunday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Shelburne Falls Bowling Alley. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for ages 12 and under.

''This is a great way to spend a few hours with family and friends, while having fun at the same time,'' said Kevin and Debbie Gilbert, who are selling the tickets. All proceeds go directly to the cancer relay.

Jillian's Angels also has an on-going can and bottle drive and will pick up. Telephone 624-3843.

DEADLINE for nominations of high school-age students for the Peacemaker Awards is Friday. Community or youth group leaders or high school or faith group leaders are asked to identify one or more youths who could be considered for recognition for initiatives he or she has taken that have made a positive impact within their community. For any questions, call Joan C. Vander Vliet at 665-3203.

Irmarie Jones has been a member of the newsroom staff since 1969 and a columnist since 1977. You can reach her at: ijones@recorder.com.

 

---